ROLE OVERVIEW

The role of the Operations Manager is to manage and co-ordinate Leading Edge Aviation Sociedad Limitada (LEASL) operations to ensure aircraft, simulator and instructor resources are used as safely, efficiently and effectively as possible and in accordance with Leading Edge Aviation, AESA, CAA and EASA regulations.

Working closely with the Head of Training (HoT), Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) and Oxford Operations Manager (OOM), the Alhama Operations Manager (AOM) will ensure a constant presence in the LEASL operations area, working closely with student pilots who will require experienced guidance as they look to undertake their flying training.

ROLE DUTIES

DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

• Recruit, train and manage the Operations team.
• Provide rest breaks, annual leave and sickness cover for Operations Assistants, Ramp Assistants and Scheduler, ensuring any shortfall in cover is managed.
• Report monthly production hours flying hour totals for each aircraft and simulators.
• As directed by Senior Management, complete required details for the monthly Managers meeting and any other forums as required.
• Regularly review Company operations to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Create, manage and monitor an audit system for Operations.

DAY TO DAY OPERATIONS

• Plan and co-ordinate the daily flying and simulator schedules with the CFI and Instructors to ensure maximum aircraft, simulator and instructor utilisation is achieved.
• Plan, co-ordinate and monitor scheduled maintenance requirements to ensure minimum disruption to the flying schedule, maintaining a record of aircraft serviceability which include both planned and unscheduled maintenance.
• Ensure all aircraft and simulators are updated monthly (28-day cycle) with the appropriate Navigation databases.
• Liaise with the LEAL sim technician to ensure all planned simulator maintenance tasks are completed and arrange for any defects to be corrected or deferred. Minor works may be required in consultation with the LEAL sim technician.
• Ensure adherence to relevant regulations and procedures, including flight time limitations, in coordination with HoT / CFI.
• Liaison as necessary with external airport ATC/Operations to ensure the efficient delivery of the planned Flying Schedule including:
• Organising the refuelling of aircraft and filing of fuel receipts.
• Liaison with external CAO and engineering providers to:
• Forward plan maintenance activities, to include all scheduled events and forecast major spares requirements (engines, gearboxes, etc) whilst liaising with the Finance team.
• Resolve any aircraft defects or defer those iaw MEL and OEM procedures.
• Obtain aircraft availability.
• Ensure aircraft documentation and on-board items are in date.
• Initiate emergency procedures in case of accidents or incidents involving our aircraft or personnel.
• Accurately maintain all aircraft and library documents in Flight Logger, the Virtual Learning Environment and with the SCMM.
• In conjunction with the CFI, manage and track student progress throughout training, including monitoring student course hours to ensure compliance.
• Liaise with HoT/CFI and external providers to ensure planned maintenance is integrated into the flying schedule.
• Managing aircraft movements, ensuring the required aircraft are out and ready to fly for the first daily sortie and hangered/tied down as necessary at the end of the day.
• To initiate remedial actions and liaison with all relevant parties to minimise the impact of a potential or actual disruption to the planned schedule.
• Manage the provision of supplies of oils and lubricants as required.
• Check and approve invoices in support of Maintenance and Operations.
• Other duties as directed by senior management.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Flight Scheduling and Operational experience.
• Working knowledge of appropriate UK CAA, AESA and EASA regulations, including engineering.
• Excellent IT and systems skills.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a positive and enthusiastic outlook.
• A Can-do attitude with the willingness to go the extra mile for the Company.
• Ability to analyse and decide a course of action in a timely manner.
• A pro-active manner, looking to resolve issues within approved boundaries, working with HoT/CFI and OOM to identify solutions to the usual flying training issues that occur – weather, aircraft serviceability, pilot availability, etc.
• A flexible approach to working hours.